Sefer Mitzvot Gadol (Smag). First edition with Be'urei Rabbi Isaac Stein. Venice 1547. Daniel Bomberg Press.

Sefer Mitzvot Gadol (Smag). First edition with Be'urei Rabbi Isaac Stein. Venice 1547. Daniel Bomberg Press.

Sefer Yesod. Fine copy with signatures.

The great book of Rabbeni Moshe of Coucy, one of Ba'alei Hatosafot and one of the leading Rishonim.

On the title page of the book and the following leaf there are ancient Sephardic owner's signatures in Solitreo (Chatzi Kolmus script).

Sefer Mitzvot Gadol is an adaptation of Rabbi Moshe's sermons.

The book is divided into two sections: Mitzvot Asseh and Mitzvot Lo Ta'asseh. The Rambam was the Rabbi Moshe's central source for the writing of the book; the Rambam's words are quoted in almost every page of the book, not necessarily mentioning his name. The book also quotes the words of the Sages and Rishonim of France and Ashkenaz.

In his preface to the book, Rabbi Moshe explains that he wrote the book after being ordered to do so in a dream he dreamt.

Due to its wide circulation in Jewish communities of the Middle Ages, Sefer Mitzvot Gadol was considered a central Psikah book until the publishing of the Shulchan Aruch. He was one of the eight rabbis who were most appreciated by Rabbi Yosef Karo as indicated by his foreword to his book Beit Yosef. Rabbi Yitzchak of Corbeil wrote a summary of the book titled Sefer Mitzvot Katab (Smak).

Several commentaries were written on the book, including by Rabbi Yosef Colon, Rabbi Eliyahu Mizrachi (the Re'em), the Maharshal and more.

Rabbi Moshe ben Yaakov of Coucy was one of Ba'alei Hatosafot of the 13th century: his maternal grandfather was Rabbeinu Chaim Hacohen, one of the leading disciples of Rabbeinu Tam. His father was also one of Ba'alei Hatosafot. Rabbi Moshe used to travel between French cities and towns as a Darshan of their Jewish communities. The Chida in his book Shem Hagedolim introduces a tradition in the name of the Maharshal by which Rabbi Moshe was an expert on dream interpretation. Following a Divine vision or Chishuv Haketz, Rabbi Moshe moved to Spain in 1236, where he also moved from city to city, preaching the strengthening of Mitzvot observance. These sermons formed the base for his famed book Sefer Mitzvot Gadol. Rabbi Moshe attributed the motive for writing down his sermons to a dream he dreamt in which he was ordered to write the book.

Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Stein (passed away in 1496, Regensburg): was one of the Poskim of Ashkenaz in the 15th century, a contemporary of the Mahari Bruna and the Maharik. Was known for his Hagahot on Sefer Mitzvot Gadol. A significant part of his lessons was about the book. His son said that in his father's Sefer Mitzvot Gadol there were notes with his Chidushim on the book and they were edited by him before his passing to form his Be'ur on Sefer Mitzvot Gadol. The comments that were printed were only some of what he had authored. His words are frequently introduced in Rabbinic literature in general and halachic literature in particular. His son, Rabbi Avi Ezri, followed in his father's footsteps, delivering lessons on Sefer Mitzvot Gadol, from which several handwritten comments were preserved and added to his father's.

Venice, [1547]. Daniel Bomberg Press. Sefer Yesod. First edition with Be'urei Rabbi Isaac Stein.

250 [2] 251-316 leaves. Separate title page for each section. 32.5 cm. Very good condition. Thick, bright paper. Fine new leather binding.

Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod 214.